RLA Pastor's blog

Israel is in the news again. The recent escalation of violence is a reminder of Israel’s ongoing geopolitical predicament. Located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea (the “Great Sea” in biblical terminology), Israel is surrounded by a host of not-so-friendly neighbors.

There is Lebanon in the north, Syria in the northeast, Jordan on the east, Saudi Arabia to the south, Egypt to the southwest, and the Palestinian territories comprising the West Bank and Gaza strip on the east and southwest respectively. These are the immediate neighbors. Beyond them are a host of nations committed to Israel’s demise.

The fact that Israel continues to exist in this setting is a modern-day David and Goliath miracle. Israel is not a large nation. It’s about the size of New Jersey (8,522 square miles – the United States is nearly four million square miles) with a population of just over eight million. And yet Israel holds its own without a friend in the world, save the United States.

But no matter, for the God of heaven fights for Israel (Zechariah 14:3). As for the capital city of Jerusalem, “The LORD Almighty will shield Jerusalem; He will shield it and deliver it, He will pass over it and will rescue it” (Isaiah 31:5). Let the enemies of Israel beware! The Lord Himself has declared, “I will defend this city [Jerusalem] and save it, for My sake and for the sake of David My servant” (Isaiah 37:35).Though the anti-Israel crowd seems to be gaining momentum, the best thing the United States can do is to stand unapologetically with Israel. For the ancient promise made to Abraham still applies, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you” (Genesis 12:3).

So let us, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper who love you” (Psalm 122:6).